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+1 on BearVault. I have a Bearikade (carbon fiber) and it's a good bit lighter, but also 2-3x more expensive. The BearVault is a great balance between weight and price, unless you plan on using it all the time. if so, get a Bearikade.

Dang! Now I might have to go shopping...

I see the Bearikade Expedetion is about 5 oz. less that the BV500. It looks like they are about the same size, but are they?

Last edited by mountain_man_mike; 01-31-2013 at 19:05.

Happy Trails to one and all.
Enjoy the outdoors wisely and elevate your perspective.

I did the JMT twice this past summer and I had no problem at all finding trees to hang. I take 3 hour lunch break everyday to fish and take a nap.

I used 5' tree straps and it was more than I needed. Pine trees are very strong!
I use torso length pad and 3/4 quilt. Perfect compromise. I had to use the pad when I slept on top of Whitney on my last day. If it is safe, try to sleep on top and catch the sunrise. You will be the very first person to see the sunrise west of Mt.Whitney, it is an amazing way to end the trip.

Bring a fishing pole, spices, to cook fish. Plenty of fish in the Sierra, they are small but fun to catch. I use Tankara and it was perfect for the Sierra creeks and rivers.

Try to hit up all three major resupply spots, even if you are not resupplying at those spots. You get to meet fellow hikers and I think it enhanced your social experience.

Take half day off and shuttle into Mammoth, eat some hot food and ice-cream, then come back hike in the evening.

Go and take the ferry to VVR and get your first free beer. Watch what you order, your tap will add up quickly.

Go and meet fellow hikers at Muir-Ranch, they are nice folks and they have power-strips to charge up your toys. Also, it is a great place to trade up your food with surplus food from other hikers.

Finally, don't worry too much. JMT is a very Social trail in the deep wilderness - the crown jewel of the Sierra.

I did the JMT twice this past summer and I had no problem at all finding trees to hang. I take 3 hour lunch break everyday to fish and take a nap.

I used 5' tree straps and it was more than I needed. Pine trees are very strong!
I use torso length pad and 3/4 quilt. Perfect compromise. I had to use the pad when I slept on top of Whitney on my last day. If it is safe, try to sleep on top and catch the sunrise. You will be the very first person to see the sunrise west of Mt.Whitney, it is an amazing way to end the trip.

Bring a fishing pole, spices, to cook fish. Plenty of fish in the Sierra, they are small but fun to catch. I use Tankara and it was perfect for the Sierra creeks and rivers.

Try to hit up all three major resupply spots, even if you are not resupplying at those spots. You get to meet fellow hikers and I think it enhanced your social experience.

Take half day off and shuttle into Mammoth, eat some hot food and ice-cream, then come back hike in the evening.

Go and take the ferry to VVR and get your first free beer. Watch what you order, your tap will add up quickly.

Go and meet fellow hikers at Muir-Ranch, they are nice folks and they have power-strips to charge up your toys. Also, it is a great place to trade up your food with surplus food from other hikers.

Finally, don't worry too much. JMT is a very Social trail in the deep wilderness - the crown jewel of the Sierra.

"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy,
while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn." — John Muir

Great info Georgemaung. You did the JMT twice last summer! I'm jealous. I'm going this summer for the first time. I was going to sleep on the ground but I've now been inspired to try to hang as much as possible. I'm going on my first overnight hang this weekend. Going to learn as much about hammocks as I can before the big trip.

I have the Bear Vault soloist which is 440 cubic inches and I can pretty easily carry 4 to 5 days of food in it. And of course, I don't need to carry my first day of food in it. I do, however, put my toothpaste, toothbrush and soap in it at night but that doesn't take up much room.

The Bearikades are really nice but the Bang for the Buck problem get's me. I can get 200 cubic inches more space and save 5 ounces by using the Expedition instead of the BV500. But that 200 cubic inches and 5 ounces will cost me $220 more. I'm not sure that $44/ounce is a good investment for me.

Also, be sure to try one inside your pack. Pack comfort could also be a determining factor. The larger Bearikade may feel substantially different on your back than the Bear vault. My bear canister was the reason I bought a ULA Circuit instead of the Ohm. It fits just fine in the Circuit.